i know i say this about every single project, but i love this mini album. i love all mini albums, really, but this one is pretty special to me.

we just got back from a week at the beach on sunday. i knew i wanted to create a small mini album prior to going, but i didn't want to try to keep up with it while i was away. my week at the beach was all about relaxing, enjoying my family and just "being". i debated taking some simple supplies, but then opted to throw in a book and my journal instead. best.idea.ever.

before leaving for the trip, i created a few "pockets" using some trimmed page protectors and the beautiful frames from the new dear lizzy polka dot party collection. the frames were included in the studio calico marks & co. kit and i used a few on another project last week, but i had a lot left over. when i got home, all i had to do was print out my photos, add some goodies from our trip and call it done.

here's a look at my finished album...

i used a piece of transparency for the cover and added the amy tan aqua alpha as my title. i wanted to stick with the "transparent" feel of the album and loved the look of the umbrella peeking through the title. (and if you look closely....my kiddos and husband are those tiny little dots on the left hand side.)

i kept the album relatively simple. pictures and memorabilia.

both of my kids are notorious for "collecting things at the beach" and that was my whole thought process by including the transparent pockets. i wanted to include all of those "little things" they found.

i love how you can still see the pictures around the shells. it's kind of like being back at the beach....

i also included a few smaller photos (2.5 square) in a few of the framed pockets. again...i loved the transparency feel of the book and wanted to continue it throughout.